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What Are the Benefits of Fermented Green Papaya?

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Papaya is high in essential nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. In addition, the sweet, fleshy fruit contains papain, an enzyme that may help treat and prevent certain health conditions. Fermented green papaya has been the focus of research on treating chronic disease, such as diabetes and cancer.

Fermented Papaya Preparation

Most of the research on papaya uses fermented papaya preparation, or FPP. To make FPP, fresh papaya leaves and fruit are aged slowly over a few months, describes the Heart Spring website. The fermented substance is then dried and ground into a fine powder, which can be consumed by itself or added to food. The powder dissolves quickly when taken orally. Japanese scientists created FPP after noticing that people who consumed high amounts of papaya realized potential health benefits.

Free Radical Fighter

Fermented green papaya is high in antioxidants, according to the Heart Spring website. Antioxidants help to prevent damage done to cells by free radicals. Antioxidants donate an extra electron to the free radical, which helps stop the domino effect and prevent further free radical damage. Free radicals contribute to the aging process and the development of many different diseases. Eating a diet high in antioxidants, including fermented green papaya, can help to prevent or slow down free radical damage.

Diabetes Prevention

Fermented papaya may help to prevent diabetes mellitus. A study published in “Preventive Medicine” in 2012 examined the role of fermented papaya in the management of diabetes. Previous research had suggested that plant-based diets lower oxidative stress, which can contribute to diabetes or to complications of diabetes. Researchers conducted a randomized clinical trial in which they gave subjects FPP for 14 weeks. Those who consumed the fermented papaya had lower levels of C-reactive protein and uric acid, both of which are biomarkers of diabetes.

Cancer Control

Researchers have examined papaya leaf extract as a substance with the potential for preventing cancer and tumor growth. Although researchers have not specifically tested fermented papaya, fermented papaya includes papaya leaves and has the same properties. In a study published in the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology" in 2010, researchers found that papaya leaf extract inhibits the growth of tumor cell lines. Researchers used human peripheral blood mononuclear cells to determine how papaya affects tumor growth.

Other Benefits

Fermented papaya preparation may have other potential health benefits. The study published in “Preventive Medicine” found that FPP may help those at risk of cardiovascular and neurological diseases, as well as other conditions that are made worse by oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition, notes the Heart Spring website, FPP may increase the production of interleukin, a protein that plays an important role in healing wounds and minor infections. FPP also helps the macrophage, a type of white blood cell, work faster to destroy bacteria, viral infections and free radical fragments.

Ireland Wolfe has been writing professionally since 2009, contributing to Toonari Post, Africana Online and Winzer Insurance. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in psychology and Master of Arts in mental health counseling. She is also a licensed mental health counselor, registered nutritionist and yoga teacher.